Messi, one of the greatest
In hindsight, few would believe that Lionel Messi, considered by many as the greatest futbol-soccer player alive, began as a little Argentinian boy that went through considerable complications. Love for the sport ran in the family, and he began at the tender age of six in the Newell’s Old Boys, an Argentinean team he has supported throughout his life.
Problems began at 10 when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a situation that spelled doom for any future career possibilities. Yet despite the doctor’s advice and the high cost of the needed treatment, the family went against all odds. Messi was to become a professional player, and the family looked for a team sponsorship for the boy.
Family ties took them in 2000 to Catalonia, Spain, aiming to enroll him into La Masia, the youth academy that belongs to futbol-soccer giant FC Barcelona. After months of back-and-forth negotiations and a slow beginning due to a transfer conflict, the forward proved himself steadily to be the best asset that the team has ever acquired.
“It seemed as if he had been playing with us all his life”. Those were the words of assistant coach Henk ten Cate in 2003 during Messi’s debut. He positioned himself like no other player in history before, leading his team to numerous championships. Eleven years have passed now, and his presence is still strong through each and every match he participates in.
Naturally, his accolades are equally impressive: five time Ballon d’or winner, seven La Liga titles, multiple UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey titles, and he holds the record for numerous goal scoring feats, including Barcelona’s all-time scorer. He has been compared to Maradona due to their short stature and virtuoso playing style, even being praised by said legend.
Even though pride and excesses can sometimes haunt talented sportsmen, that is not the case with Messi. His humble and private demeanor has earned him the praise from experts, players, and fans alike; additionally, being one of the best-paid footballers to date has not distanced the man from those in need, for he has involved himself in many humanitarian causes.
He founded the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, an organization that specializes on helping disadvantaged youth that has, among other things, donated almost half a million dollars for the cause. He was declared in 2010 as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the rights of children around the globe.
The career of Messi is an example of triumph in the face of overwhelming odds through a combination of talent and sheer discipline, but it is also a reminder that success should not be blinding. He is a star whose name is a synonym of professional excellence, in and out of the field.
Sources:
http://thefutbolfactory.us/tff_blog/messi/